On Political Correctness

I went to view a klan rally... at a distance of course. I just wanted to see the historical moment and to watch the people. As I stood back on a grassy lawn I was within feet of a swastika decorated tattooed skinhead about 23 years old. I just stood there wondering what made him tic. He seemed just like any other young man. His talk was intelligent as I could hear. How could he be so hateful?
.

As the Klan Leaders were speaking, spewing forth truth intermingled with patriotism and hate, the opposition was in their area yelling and screaming at the Klan. Rather than love and prayer, I saw anger and hate. Some of these people I recognized from various local churches. While one group was deceived by Satan (they talked as Christians) the other group (from churches) missed their chance. I missed mine too!

.

One thing I regret. I failed to witness to the young skinhead. Many people filled with hate become the best Christians once the Lord gets a hold on them. Here was a young man who could be my son, was filled with hate by the trickery of Satan, I had the chance, but I failed to tell him about the love of Jesus. God will hold me accountable for this. Likewise, I failed to temper the anger and hate which I saw in Christian people I knew. We can't answer hate with hate.

.

While I was free to tell the skinhead about Jesus and should have, few would have denigrated me if I used Jesus name in changing this young fellow. However, if I told a Muslim or even a Jew about the love of Christ, I would be politically ostracized. Likewise, if I told a homosexual about the love of Jesus I would be hated! That's just not “politically correct”. I do want to point out that I want to tell people about Jesus because I love them and don't want them to be eternally punished. Now, who punishes the guilty in the end? God does!

.

Hebrews 10:26 “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. “

.

I won't use this scripture for its primary point: that Christians must not continue in sin, but for the results of a life of sin: judgment and punishment by a devouring fire. Yes, God punishes and severely so! It is obvious that God is not politically correct either! He loved us enough to provide a way out, but many will refuse his free gift. That's their mistake, not his.

.

Christians are called to convert other Christians. That's our mission as Christians:

.

John 8:26”I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.”

.

We are to tell the world about Jesus. That would make great lyrics for a song! (Smile). However, what does the world say about proselytism? It is “politically incorrect”. We must not offend the Muslim, the Jew, the Hindu, the infidel, the atheist, the agnostic or any other groups of people by trying to make Christians of them. Now let me get this straight. We are told by God to tell the world about Jesus to keep them from eternal destruction, and we're to worry about hurting their feelings? Political Correctness is the dogma of the devil and actually is the silliness of Progressives.

.

With that said, I criticize the damning religions of the Moslem and Hindu. (God will show mercy on the Jews who convert at the time of the tribulation. Yes, there is still hope). I criticize the atheist and the Deist. They are deceived by their own false knowledge. I criticize the evolutionist and the teachers thereof. I criticize behaviors as well: lasciviousness, infidelity, pride, jealousy and yes, even homosexuality. I criticize those who abort babies as well as those who support unjust laws. God hates those behaviors. I love those who fall into those groups enough to tell them of their errors, because they are sinners, and they need to know of God's love and grace. (That doesn't mean that I don't sin, but that I ask forgiveness of my sins. God has been merciful to me as well).

.

“Political Correctness” (PC) is the thought, having been around since the 1980's, that we are to protect the feelings of those with shortcomings or are in specific groups who have historically ridiculed. The movement includes racial groups, those with abnormal sexual orientations, certain handicapped people and even women, foreigners and underachievers. PC is the agenda of those seeking “social justice”. It's noble on their part, but actually impedes positive change because it teaches “tolerance”, not “obedience”.

.

With regard to humanity our Lord taught tolerance of those who were dealt a bad hand. The best example of that is the story of the “Good Samaritan”. God is not a respecter of persons. However, when behaviors are concerned, God teaches obedience. The best example of this is God's admonishment of the act of homosexuality. (Note that I call out the behavior rather than the person because it's not people God hates, but their sin).

.

While many of us have friends, even relatives, who fall into their latter behavior, it's wrong in God's eyes. We seek for them to change because we love them and don't want them to spiritually die. Admonishment of sinful behaviors is the manifestation of love! (I know... I've been corrected myself and it took courage on the part of my Christian brother).

.

As a side note: Don't believe the lies of society that some are “born that way”. That contradicts God and God doesn't lie! It also contradicts what any thinker can see is a learned behavior. (“Girls Gone Wild” aren't born that way. They seek further extremes of pleasure). Homosexuality is a sexual and religious sin (See Old Testament). Furthermore, all studies which propagate the genetic theory of homosexuality are confounded my their methodology... the “scientists” have an agenda. This means that all such studies belong in the mythology heap! We are all born with a desire to sin. However, we all manifest that desire in different sinful activities.

.

Now “normal people”, especially Christians, have been labeled as “sick” by the PC Police. We are homophobes, Islamaphobes, ant-Semites, bigots, and are even labeled Nazis. Such tripe is offensive and are terms used by those in the PC Police who have no sound arguments to defend their positions. “Political Correctness” is another tool of the Progressive Socialist ideology which will replace capitalism before the apocalypse. PC has become the religion of the World and National Council of Churches... the precursor to the church of the Apocalypse.

.

Let's call a rose a rose for it's still a rose by any other name. While we are to admonish in a loving manner, we are to admonish! That's God's will for us. We are to love the sinner, but hate the sin. Let's do what God tells us to do and get off the evil PC bandwagon. I do forewarn you: You will be persecuted for your Christian beliefs, and the PC Police will see to that. They have the support of the educational institutions, the entertainment world, politics and the news media. As Joe Friday often said “Just the facts, Mam!” Here you have an example of “the facts”. Consider what I say. Do your own research. Open your eyes that you may see!

Posers

It's almost amusing! How do “posers” keep multiple personalities separate?
.

Posers are “wannabees” in slacker talk. According to the proverbial expression they “talk the talk, but don't walk the walk”. We've all met them and the church is full of them!

.

A Christian friend of mine was caught in the act. When he was driving, another Christian friend honked his horn from behind in an attempt at being friendly. The first driver responded by making an obscene one-fingered gesture. He certainly failed to “walk the walk”.

.

My brother ran into an elder from his former church. The elder invited him to come back to church and then branched off into a friendly conversation. Before long he was cussing (sic). He had gotten confused about which type of friend with whom he was communicating. Oh, how in the world to keep the two personalities straight... one for Christian friends and one for the “fun” crowd. Yes, for you that do that, you'll eventually trip up and be exposed!

.

When I moved to Bowling Green a Christian man was in the process of inviting me to church. He had the habit of holding on to the listener's shoulder, I guess, to make it an engaging conversation. While he held me by the shoulder to keep me obligated, he caught another friend and told him a dirty joke... while holding onto me to invite me to church! I was astounded! He couldn't keep his double-life straight in the face of a friend from each world.

.

What does the Bible say about posers? Those Christians who fail to walk the walk!

.

Matthew 23:25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.”

.

Jesus likened the scribes and Pharisees, both the epitome of “hypocrite”, to dinnerware... clean on the outside but quite impure on the inside. A hypocrite is one who pretends to be good and pious, but is not really so. It's being a poser! This is one place where the “slacker” understands the soul even better than the faux Christian.

.

What's inside the poser? A person “full of extortion”. Extortion is operating under false pretenses. It's an effort to deceive. And who is the author of deceit? Satan.

.

In what other regard does a poser pose? Self-indulgence! It's enjoying the pleasure appetite. It's languishing in sinful desires. Jesus knew very well of whom he was speaking! A poser has the false pretense of being righteous, but on the inside has a sinful appetite. We all struggle with that with some degree of success. We can succeed if we have self-control aided by the Holy Spirit. God knows how we are inside and provided the remedy. Forgiveness is the potion! When we catch ourselves being posers we are to remove the mask ourselves and be genuine. Unpretentious sinners get more respect than those posing. God doesn't give an “Oscar” award for the best actor, but an Heisman Trophy in “outstanding authenticity” in the form a godly crown.

.

1 Corinthians 9:23 “Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

.

Worldly prizes result in a perishable crown. For those who're temperate (showing self-restraint), they get an imperishable crown. This is a case of getting the prize for failing to “act”. We are rewarded for our refusal to play a false role.

.

I want an eternal crown. While I am still tempted and sometimes I fail, I continue to run the race in pursuit of winning the prize. Some say that they're too many “hypocrites” in the church. That's exactly where they belong. God will either straighten them out or he will do the judging. However, don't confuse inborn sin with hypocrisy. We're all in a fight for our souls and only by the grace of God will we win. On the other hand, be genuine. If you sin with one hand while praising with the other, one only has to ask for forgiveness and spiritual help. God is our hope!

Grand kids

I have two of my four grand kids with me tonight! My day... no, my year is made! I seldom see them and when I do I'm astounded at their growth; not only physical, but in maturity. What pleases me is that my granddaughters are following in my footsteps. They may not know that and may even hate to be compared to me, but God beaconed me at an early age. My own Dad worked all hours and Mom didn't drive so I went to church by myself. I can't fathom growing up without a church family.

.
My granddaughters do the same. They have chosen to become active in their own church! I remember it well about three years ago! They told me they were getting baptized. I asked if they had been saved and they replied “No.” I explained to them that baptism is for the “saved” and that they first must be saved before baptism is effectual. They confessed that they were sinners, asked forgiveness and prayed for redemption. I explained to them that if they believed in Jesus with all their heart and were truly sorry, then Jesus would save them. Both testified that they were now Christians. I said “Now you can be baptized and It'll mean something!”

.
I watch them on Facebook daily. They are a witness to Christ and though not perfect, have never caused anyone an ounce of trouble. Both study the Bible, participate in youth activities and make me proud! They did this without the influence or instruction of a parent. They do it because they want to! That's what Christ meant when he said:

.
Matthew 18:1 “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

.
Yes... it's easy for a child to be saved. They have little baggage, know nothing of philosophical issues, have not been crazed by what's falsely called knowledge and they have a tender responsive heart. A child can even love so much more unconditionally than an adult. You see children loving fat people, ugly people, gigantic ones, black ones, red-haired ones, those with acne, those who stink, those who're crippled and even the narcissistic ones. Children by nature love everyone, whereas adults have been conditioned to be biased! The least little chastisement of a child brings them to guilty tears. Oh, to be as a child again and not be hung-up on grown-up things!

.
Mark 10:14 “But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer (do not hinder) the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

.
We need to encourage our young to love Jesus at a young age before their hearts are hardened. If we could only tenderize our own hearts, perhaps more of us would be as brave as the children. God loves them! They are what he wants us to be!

Respecter of Persons

 Oftentimes I've seen it and so have you. People seem to forget those less popular, less affluent, less prestigious, less athletic, less interesting, less educated, poorer groomed and those who are insecure with themselves. Often the persons described are the SAME person. All these characteristics go together. When a person is cursed by one flaw, it seems they have all the flaws. I feel so sorry for these folks! The popular, prestigious, affluent, well-groomed and secure seem to forget the feelings of the down-casts. This is so wrong!
.

James 2:1 “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? ... 8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. “

.

Although James is talking of the wealthy, the admonishment would be the same for the down-cast of any type. If we don't include ANY person we're in sin! We are all guilty of it at some time or another, but God expects us to do better! We need to empathize... put ourselves in their place. I've been there and done that! As a child I fit the description of the less popular and the poor. My ability to perform in school raised me beyond being a downcast, but even today I feel it at times.

.

What should we do? When there is an activity, make a special effort to include those who aren't normally included. If a person seems to be a poor conversationalist, include them in your discussions. Ask them what they think of the subject in vogue at the moment. Ask them what their own interests are. You might learn something yourself! Love them just as you love those who are more as you are. Step out of that predictable slot “I'll sit with my friends.” or “”I'll eat with my family”. Make others your friends and family!

.

In churches we tend to gather with those whom we already know, with family and with people who like similar activities. That's normal, but taken to the extremes of exclusion it looks cliquish to the ones excluded. We must do better at making a special effort to be in unity. Let's start right now with a commitment: Look for the new person at church. Invite them out to dinner. (Don't worry, it won't cost you a dime. People want friends, not your money!) Invite them to your home for an evening. Your friends will still be around later... new people may not be!

.

Do you want the church to grow? Look around! Who's missing? I bet it's those that haven't been included. I'm pretty good at breaking the barrier myself, but others aren't as forceful.

.

My ministry at my former church was to look for the second-time visitor. If they liked us enough to come back, I wanted to include them. I invited old and young, wealthy and poor and popular and not so popular. They all appreciated it. I bought their meal the first time as I could afford it. I never lost! Each time a new friend was made and God provided the finances. I attended a church with about 32 people in attendance. John Maxwell (before he became famous) preached on church growth for three months. Within a year our church was over 300! How was it done? By inviting, loving and including people! That works. Let's all make a resolution to do our part right now.

Politics and the Christian

Jesus failed to get involved in politics. However, his teachings have much to do about government. Remembering that Jesus' mission was not to rule the world, but to save it, we can learn much about government by applying his teachings.
.

Let's first examine the persecutions of Jesus:

.

Matthew 2:13 “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”

.

Herod was a tetrarch in power because of Caesar's authority. To save the life of their child, Mary and Joseph fled the government for their lives. If they had failed to escape mankind would have been doomed because Jesus would not have accomplished his mission. (The government does matter!)

.

Mark 6:23 “And he (Herod) sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 24And she (Salome) went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.”

.

John was the cousin and emissary of Jesus. He was the one preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. In doing so he criticized King Herod's adulterous marriage. Herod as a gift to Salome, gave her the head of John on a platter. The introduction of Christ to the world was done. John was dead thanks to the ruler of the people.

.

The judge and religious council of the Jewish people was the Sanhedrin. They made the religious law which overlapped entirely with the civil and what they said was enforced. During the ministry of Jesus, they were the adversary. Scribes and Pharisees (modern-day lawyers) were constantly badgering Jesus and trying to entrap him in his own words. Jesus was persecuted by Jewish lawyers!

.

Ironically, the Romans did not actively persecute Jesus. They did enforce the right of the Jewish people to run their own affairs without intervention in religious issues. By protecting wrong, they condoned wrong. The Romans were accomplices because of their silence; no toleration; of injustice.

.

Not one time did Jesus attack his persecutors! That wasn't his purpose. Whereas Christians as I am are so impatient with wrong in our government, Jesus knew it was because of sin that corruption existed. He could have initiated a heavenly kingdom at will, but that would have failed to save us. He had other instructions! Jesus, tactfully acknowledged his place in government when he paid his taxes:

.

Mark 12:17 “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.”

.

That said, are we to even care what goes on in government? Yes, as long as we keep it in perspective. We know of the coming corrupt apocalyptic government and it's our role in the future of the world. It is the enemy of Christ. Each day we will move toward totalitarianism. It's inevitable because John saw it and prophesied it. It's our job as Christians to oppose the ideology leading up to the rule by the anti-Christ. Those rulers preceding him aren't THE anti-Christ, but are anti-Christs. It's our role to keep them out of power so as our people will have time to find the Lord before the second-coming of Christ.

.

What are we to do in politics as Christians:

.

1. Pray for our nation.
2. Pray for Godly leaders.
3. Pray that our non-Christian leaders will do right.
4. Support those in politics who are Christian.
5. Avoid political parties whose platform are in violation of God's will.
6. Support political parties who favor the true God and those ideas reflected in their party platform.
7. Firmly reject those mavericks who defy Christian principles in political affairs. We are to seek God's guidance in all things, including politics and government.
8. Recognize that the role of the government isn't to save us. That requires faith in God. However, do recognize that the government's role is to protect our freedom, especially our Christian freedom.
9. Never vote for a candidate who doesn't respect life. God made life and we have no right to destroy what God has created. That one issue is a deal maker or breaker. If a person doesn't respect life, can we expect them to support other Christian values? No!
10. God has ordained marriage between one man and one woman as His will. Any candidate who seeks to destroy God's plan for the family is in gross violation of God's will. (Same sex activity is a sign of the end-of-times, It is ungodly behavior).
11. We are to love each other. Politics must not involve hate, but truth must be paramount. Look for those who don't pander, but who speak truth even though it may hurt their electability.
12. In line with truth and love, don't fall for demagoguery. Because the majority believes a certain way doesn't make it right! The rulers can twist truth to fool the people. We need to discern. Discernment means to compare what's said to scripture.
13. Never be jealous of other groups within society. If your neighbor has more than you and it was obtained legally, you're stealing if you want it confiscated. God tells us not to covet. If the rich have been treacherous in their prosperity, we are to love them. God tells us that He will be the one to heap hot coals upon their heads (he will punish).
14. Drop that false idea that you “deserve” prosperity. You will be prosperous if you obey God, but if you don't, you're on your own. With jealousy, don't count on God to help you. He won't! (Many people who fail financially have this jealous attitude and narcissistic expectation that they deserve what they failed to earn). That's un-Christian.
15. Turn to God in your need! By turning to politicians and the government you show little faith in God.
16. Paying UNFAIR taxes is injustice. Jesus had no problem paying taxes, so some taxes are expected. The government is to be good stewards of God's wealth just as we are. If we fail to be good stewards, we deserve failure. Likewise, if the government is a poor steward of your contribution, it deserves to fail. Rome did fall. God heaped the coals on their heads!
17. Look for those candidates who help with Christlike charities out of their won pocket. Generosity with the money of others is theft!
18. Help with Christian charity yourself. When you see how God wants assistance to work, you'll see the error in forced assistance. We are to help those who can't help themselves and to assist those who are committed to success in their own life. (The Bible does not encourage support for the unmotivated, but for those willing),
19. Never be a poor representative for your own viewpoint. Name-calling fails to change minds. Example, facts and scripture is God's way.
20. Never support those who turn to violence and mob-rule. They are direly out of God's will. There is, however, “justified anger”. An example of that would be war to save the lives of the innocent, such as in Nazi Germany. It is wrong to turn our heads to collective evil.
21. God doesn't intend for there to be discord between the genders and nationalities. Groups which separate the nation on either side are wrong. As the Klan is wrong, we must also recognize that feminism and special rights groups divide people. We need the rights guaranteed by natural law, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.
22. “Pursuit of happiness” doesn't insure “successful outcomes”. We propagate injustice and lackadaisical attitudes if we help those in their lethargy. Our help must be linked to effort! We give the chance to succeed. The helped must provide the action!
23. By even joining with a party which propagtes evil we are accomplices in that evil. (Fresh water and salt water don't go together in God's view.)

.

There's so much more. We need to consider everything! Scripture will guide us if we seek truth. Anyone who votes a certain way because their parents did are basking in fantasy land. Parents can be and are wrong. Likewise, politics are dynamic. The parties of the twenty-first century are far cries from what they were even fifty years ago.

.

People vote because of name-recognition, popularity, fine-tuned speaking skills and even great smiles. As Christians we are called to support truth. To do that we have an obligation to study the issues, look at the records of the candidates and ask how they are to fulfill their promises. Any politician can promise a new society of some sort. In truth, they're spewing optimistic-sounding mantras to provide false hope in order to ensure their own election. Promises must be realistic goals... real and obtainable. Other promises are campaign spin.

.

In all things seek God. If you don't understand God's will, ask a godly person to guide you. If our nation returns to God, our nation will prosper! That's God's promise.

Our Attitudes

Each one of us have our own personality. The personality can be viewed as a “system” in our body. By that I mean like our other systems: respiratory, circulatory , etc. the personality is started at conception and grows in proportion to the other systems. One doesn't “all of a sudden” develop a personality at birth. It has been growing for nine-months! The personality of the individual, to be normal, must grow in proportion to the other systems. The fully-developed personality is just as important to the health of the individual as are the other systems. However, there is one big difference.

.

Our environment may effect the health of our heart, lungs and kidneys by causing improper functioning and even disease. The personality is not so much altered by our interaction with nature, but with our fellow man. We must have contact with our fellow humans in order to develop the personality. It will be most responsive to those who influence us the earliest and for the most time. Often our early development is most influenced by our parents. Over the years, yes, I have turned into my own father!

.

Some parents start talking to their young while they're gestating. Devices with soothing sounds are used to keep the in utero baby pacified. Some parents use tapes of their own voices to teach and comfort their unborn children. Their hearing is developed and they do respond to sound and words. Likewise, the stroke of the mothers-to-be abdomen actually placates a restless baby! It's so important that parents do their job in molding the personality of their children! If we don't others will.

.

Exodus 20:12 “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”

.

The child is to, and will, listen to their parents if they are brought up that way commencing at birth. A parent can't commence to teach and mentor the child when they're teens. It's too late by then. Respect is taught to the young, but at the same time respect is earned. A poor parent can hardly expect respect! At this time of year we're tempted and err in teaching our children poor attitudes. They EXPECT things and parents OBLIGE by spending, much like they're trying to buy their love. Although the motive is noble, the results stink! If you really want to help your child's development. Make them earn what they are given.

.

Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

.

This verse shows that we must nurture the child. Nurturing is providing for their sustenance and part of that means loving your child. If we love someone we put them before people or things less deserving: friends, jobs, education, sports and so forth. Another part of providing sustenance is talking with, showing an interest in, befriending and disciplining them. We often fall short on the discipline because, frankly, that's not the fun part! In fact a rebellious child is often punished by isolation. To avoid confrontation the parents puts up a wall between them. Love is absent as well as much needed correct discipline.

.

In disciplining we must be fair. Applying the “Golden Rule” is the best approach. You know how to be treated because that's how you want to be treated! Reciprocate. Often the parents provide punishment disproportionate to the “crime”. You can never “ground” a child for a month or a year because they will never get “ungrounded”. They must have hope for redemption and without that hope they are even more rebellious. When spanking, it doesn't have to hurt; only humiliate. That works!

.

Your own personality, like a mirror, is most often reflected in your child.

.

Exodus 34:7 “Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.”

.

What we do and how we behave can not only contribute to the life of our own children, but can be clearly seen to be passed from generation to generation. If you're not a “saved” Christian parent with a proper attitude, then it is most likely that your children and grandchildren will behave in much the same way. We don't pass sin from generation to generation, but they suffer the consequences of your behavior and attitude.

.

Personality is a pattern of all your combined traits relating to behavior, temperament, emotion and mental activities. It's you! The good, the bad and the ugly. A Christian can and will change their personality. The bad will be tempered by the Holy Spirit residing in you. You will become a new person! We are to be Christlike!

.

Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

.

These verses are just like a re-phrasing of the “Greatest Commandment” (love God and love your neighbor). As a born-again Christian we're supposed to be “born-again” We are to be a new man in Christ! We are to strive (be like-minded) with each other and that like-mindedness would be with a Christlike attitude! Attitude is how you carry yourself; how you come across to others. What is your attitude?

.

As Christians we often think that our Christianity is measured by what physical sins we have given up. “I quit smoking, drinking, cursing, fighting, stealing, doping or whatever.” That's not how you measure your change! You cannot be assured of your salvation until you love more. You (and I) need to change your attitude!

.

My mantra at one time was “I don't get mad... I get even!” No, I didn't say it out loud, but that was my attitude. It's an attitude of anger and vengeance. God hates that more than my outward law-breaking that's for certain. Yes, I needed to change... and still do! We're never a finished work!

.

I've had Christians shun me, hold a grudge against me, be argumentative, make no attempt to provide friendship and even avoid talking with me. All these “attitudes” are childish and sinful! It's not a compliment to be called “grumpy” and “quirky”! It isn't a good attitude to be argumentative and confrontational. It's not a good attitude to avoid those you have pre-determined not to like as friends. Some of my best friends I have today are those who I disliked at first. God changes hearts! The compliment is to be known as “loving”, “friendly”, “empathetic” and “helpful”. It seems like things Jesus was known for, does it not?

.

Christ expects a changed heart!

.

2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

.

Is Jesus reflected in your attitude? Is Jesus in your heart? If you have seen the glory of God through the grace of Christ, let God shine in your heart! Don't hold on to that old wicked personality inherited from your parents all the way from Adam down. Let Christ do a work in you! Let the attitude of Jesus be reflected in your own attitude. He's your Father now! Let go of that attitude that separates. Let's all love each other as Jesus loved us.

What Baptism Means to the Baptist

This topic is not meant to ridicule others who differ, but to point out that there are differences. Somebody's wrong and we each believe ourselves to be right.

Baptism and the Christian

.

The word “baptize” is from the Greek “baptizein” or “baptein” and means to dip.

.

Baptism is considered a sacrament in many churches taken from or Catholic, but an ordinance in most evangelical and Western Christian churches.

.

Matthew 28:19 (Jesus said) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

.

Baptism is therefore ordained (authorized) by Jesus, hence, it's an ordinance by definition.

.

A sacrament is a rite instituted by Jesus and has sanctifying grace. “Sanctifying” means that the person is purified. On the other hand an ordinance is an outward expression of faith, being symbolic.

.

Baptists believe that baptism is an ordinance which is symbolic and does not impart grace.

.

Christians baptize by various methods: The three methods used by different denominations are

aspersion – sprinkling, effusion – pouring, and immersion – to submerge, covering completely.
.
Aspersion does not fit the definition of “baptize” since it certainly is NOT “dipping”.
Pouring doesn't fit the definition because it's the dipper being dipped (baptized), not the person.
.

Catholics, Methodists, and Episcopalians baptize as a general rule by aspersion. Mennonites and other Anabaptists use effusion. Baptists, although it's redundant baptize by immersion.

.

The Didache is a Greek work from around 100 AD which speaks of baptism:

.

“…But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit.”

.

From this it can be seen that in abnormal situations where running water is not available, still water can be used or can be poured. However, the Didache is not the Bible! This does not infer that “pouring” is the proper method of baptism, but only shows that “pouring” was used by the church at an early time. In fact the Didache would infer that a natural running body of water is the most appropriate place for Baptism. “No living water” implies immersion.

.

However, Scripture tells us more of baptism and should be the source of our information:

.

Romans 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

.

Water Baptism is symbolic or a metaphor for the death and burial of the sinful man and the regeneration as a “new” man (or woman) just as Jesus was glorified by his own death and resurrection. As a baptized Chrisitan we signify that we are commening a new life.

.

Campbellite And Stonite factions split from the Baptist faith in 1832 and formed what they call non-denomination churches. This is called the “American Restoration Movement”. They portend that baptism has saving grace. Baptism to them is not symbolic, but the end of the process of salvation. That would imply if their doctrine was true then all those unbaptized and incorrectly baptized throughout the ages fell short of the glory of God.

.

Some would say that Orthodox Jews performed baptism long before John the Baptist did. However, that's not the case. Their ceremony included ritual washing. This ceremony was performed to cleanse the body before participating in religious ceremonies. Such ritual had no symbolism and was used by both men and women to cleanse biological impurites.

.

The first person known to ever baptize was John, the cousin of Jesus, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth. John was born to prepare the way for Jesus' ministry. (Matthew 3:4-6)

.

Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

.

There are three types of baptism:

.

1. The Baptism of repentance called the Baptism of John.
2. The Baptism of remission called the Baptism of Jesus.
3. The Baptism of fire called the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. (Used in the early church to show the power of God and to help the church begin).

.

John's Baptism was in preparation for Jesus. People were to repent, to return to God!

.

Matthew 3:6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

.

As you can see “repent” was to confess the sins. Many churches ask for a testimony at the time of baptism. Public confession of our sins is honored by God.

.

The Baptism of Jesus was to be the effectual baptism.

.

John 1:33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'

.

No one else, but Jesus, had the Holy Spirit descend and remain on them.

.

John came to baptize with water for repentance to prepare for the remission of sins, Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Spirit FOR the remission of sins.

.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

.

Jesus implied in Matthew 21 that just as He was was authorized by God, likewise John was authorized by God to baptize. John himself implied in John 1:33 that he was sent by God by saying “the one who sent me”.

.

If we read Acts 19 we can readily see the difference between the Baptism of John and that of Jesus.

.

There he (PAUL) found some disciples. 2And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John’s baptism." 4And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." 5On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them...

.

It is obvious from these verses that the disciples didn't have God's spirit when they were baptized by John, but did receive the Holy Spirit due to their belief in Jesus. The spirit wasn't received later, but at the time they believed and were baptized. Hence, the Holy Spirit came with belief, not baptism.

.

The proof of this is in Acts 10:47 "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" where the people already had the Holy Spirit and were then baptized.

.

The baptism of Jesus by John marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus didn't come to baptize, but to provide a means of salvation for the world. (Jesus did not become God at his baptism, because he was God already!) The heresy which proposes that Jesus became God at his baptism is called Adoption.

.

Baptism is always by water. Every instance of baptism refers to water. Water represents the cleansing blood of Jesus. Just as are sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus, we become a new creature in God by the symbolic washing of our body and dedicating it to Christ.

.

Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

.

The water is to be of sufficient amount to allow the candidate to be entirely immersed. Scripture refers to:

.

• John was baptizing at Aenon because the water was plentiful there. (John 3:23)
• Jesus, at his own baptism “immediately he went up from the water”, implying that he had been in the water. (Mark 1:10 and others)
• Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:6) as were the disciples (Mark 1:5)
• The eunuch saw flowing water in a stream and was baptized (Acts 8:36), and Philip and the eunuch “both went down into the water” (Acts 8:38). They “they came up out of the water” (Acts 8:39).
• Revelation 7:17 says that Jesus will guide us to “springs of living water”. This represents belief in Jesus and our baptism.
• We are “buried therefore with him by baptism” (Rom 6:3).

.

Did Jesus himself baptize?

.

John 4:1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples).

.

The apostles are believed to have been baptized by John, except for Paul. Therefore, the apostles are the first to perform the “Baptism of Jesus”.

.

Others say that Jesus baptized early in his ministry and himself baptized the apostles:

.

John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

.

Other scholars believe that Jesus accompanied the apostles while they baptized since John 4:1 says that Jesus did not baptize. That Jesus did not baptize is more consistent with scripture.

.

In whose name should we baptized?

.

We can be baptized in Jesus' name or the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

.

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Romans 6:3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
.

We're not to be baptized by any other name.

.

1 Corinthians 1:15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name (Paul's).

.

How should the person be immersed?

.

Forward, backward, one time, three times? Many make an issue of this, but the scripture does not indicate which direction, but appears to be one time.

.

Circumcision and Baptism:

.

Circumcision represents the fulfillment of the covenant between God and Abraham. It was a picture of baptism. Whereas circumcision was a physical symbol, baptism is spiritual. It represents circumcison of the heart. Wheras circumcision was a male rite only, baptism is for Christian men and women (Acts 8:12).

.

Who should be baptized?

.

All Christians should be baptized. It's called Believer's Baptism or credobaptism. The baptism of infants is not scriptural although it's been done for centuries. It is referred to as pedobaptism and was performed at the age of eight-days in order to represent circumcision which was also done at that time. Cathlolics perform baptism to exorcise evil (among several reasons) from the infant so as to protect them through life.

.

European Christians who rejected infant baptism and insisted upon believer's adult baptism were called Anabaptists, meaning to re-baptize.

.

Converts on the day of Pentecost were baptized (Acts 2:41). Likewise were the converts at the revival in Samaria (Acts 8:12). Paul the Apostle was baptized (Acts 9:8). Paul's converts were baptized (Acts Chapters 16 and 18) and baptism has been continuous throughout scripture, even until this day.

.

When should baptism occur?

.

The Christian should be baptized immediately after belief. It demonstrates that you are starting a new life in Christ and is a public confession of faith. Paul (Acts 9:18), as the eunuch, were baptized immediately upon belief. We should be joyful and ready to display our new found faith!

.

Who should baptize?

.

Acts 1:22 (KJV) (Referring to the apostles): Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

.

The raising up our of the water is a metaphor for the resurrection. Only one who is ordained (authorized of God) is to do baptisms. In early Baptist history a preacher who was himself baptized would baptize others and authorize them to perform baptisms. They then had the authority to do so as well.
.

Summary:

.

Baptism is authorized by Jesus and is for all believers as a symbol of our death, burial, purification (remission of sins) and the resurrection. It signifies the death of the old man and the birth of the new man cleansed by water, representing the blood of Jesus shed in payment for our own sins. As such we are to totally immersed as a confession of our faith and the forgiveness of our sins. We receive the Holy Ghost at the time of our belief. It is most desirable that we immediately be baptized by a person ordained to do so. As baptism is symbolic it is not a prerequisite for salvation, but is obedience as a result of our salvation.